2016 BERGEN COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS

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1 Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III The Board of Chosen Freeholders The Department of Parks The Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs The Bergen County Historic Preservation Advisory Board present the 2016 BERGEN COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS CELEBRATING HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN BERGEN COUNTY, N.J. 7 p.m., May 5, 2016 First Reformed Church of Hackensack Church on the Green 42 Court Street

2 Welcome! Cynthia L. Forster Director, Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs James G. Koth Director, Bergen County Department of Parks Opening remarks and reading of the Historic Preservation Month Proclamation HONORED GUESTS James J. Tedesco III, County Executive BERGEN COUNTY BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS: Steven A. Tanelli, Chairman Tracy Silna Zur, Vice Chairwoman John A. Felice, Chairman Pro Tempore Maura R. DeNicola, David L. Ganz, Thomas J. Sullivan Jr., Dr. Joan M. Voss John S. Hogan, Bergen County Clerk Guest Speaker: Howard E. Bartholf Bruce A. Barton, A.I.A. Chairman, Historic Preservation Advisory Board William J. Martin, A.I.A. Historic Preservation Advisory Board Presentation of the 2016 Bergen County Historic Preservation Awards Please join us after the ceremony for a reception in the Service House next to the church.

3 2016 BERGEN COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS OUR TEACHERS Preserve the past. Change the future. FOR PRESERVATION EDUCATION This category recognizes specific programs, educational institutions, authors, publishers and groups displaying excellence in increasing the public s knowledge of historic preservation, Bergen County s architecture and historic sites. Amanda Klein, History Teacher, Saddle Brook MS/HS A manda Klein has been an educator at Saddle Brook High School for ten years, sharing her passion for education and historic preservation with her students. When not teaching history, she can be found on an archaeological project in Italy for a few weeks each year, working on the excavation of a Roman villa. She arrived at the dig in 2013 as a participant earning credits towards her master's degree. The following year she became a staff member on this villa project. In 2012, Amanda attended a seminar at Rutgers University as a graduate student and came away from the seminar with the concept of incorporating "local public history" into her Film and Media class at Saddle Amanda Klein Brook High School. This concept was originally launched during an assignment she gave to her students when they were asked to choose a local public monument, memorial or statue from their home town. This would, hopefully, inspire them to connect with commemorative memorials located within their community, rather than historic sites and monuments that were located hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away. This assignment was more difficult than she originally imagined. Although historical subjects such as World War I and II, the Korean War and Christopher Columbus, Amanda Klein s students preserving films. are extremely important, the students didn't associate these PHOTOGRAPHS We ask that you refrain from taking photographs during the ceremony as it causes problems and delays for the professional photographer. All photographs will be made available upon request to Janet Strom, or jstrom@co.bergen.nj.us, and will also be on the County website: 1

4 events with the local history and historic sites of Saddle Brook. A second seminar would inspire Amanda to conceptualize ''the School Museum" - or S Museum - at the high school. This museum project focused on the exhibition of Saddle Brook High School memorabilia and artifacts as well as digitized printed media-based objects such as 16mm films, things her students could connect with. These items are now proudly displayed in the trophy case in the lobby of the school. Additionally, her students, along with those in the grammar school, will be involved in the creation of time capsules to celebrate the 300th Anniversary of Saddle Brook Township. Saddle Brook HS S Museum exhibit. We commend Amanda, and all Bergen County teachers, as they continue to inspire, mentor and encourage students in their love of history, and instill in them the importance of researching and preserving our past. COMMUNITIES COME TOGETHER It has been said that, at its best, preservation engages the past in a conversation with the present over a mutual concern for the future. William Murtagh, Keeping Time: The History and Theory of Preservation in America [1988] FOR PRESERVATION OF AN OBJECT OR SITE This category includes individuals, groups, and governmental agencies exhibiting outstanding leadership that has contributed, or continues to contribute, to historic preservation in Bergen County. The Borough of Wood-Ridge: Arnault/Bianchi House Project Team: The Borough of Wood-Ridge and the Wood-Ridge Historical Society; Connolly & Hickey Historical Architects, LLC T his vernacular, 3-bay, 2½-story house is named after its builder who was a founder of the Borough of Wood-Ridge, Fridolin Arnault. The next owner of this home was Joseph Briggs, a designer for Louis Comfort Tiffany, who in turn sold it to the Clement Bianchi Family who resided here the longest. Clement Bianchi deeded the house to the borough with the condition that it be used for a public purpose. The house dates back to the late 1880s and is a graceful example of the late transitional period of Italianate architecture. Prominent architectural features include a cross gabled roof line ac- 2

5 cented by generous bracketing, a Southside two-story polygonal bay with copper leaders and downspouts. The house sits on a large property with a backyard that is now a public park. Besides the house, original structures include a carriage house and a two-seater privy which were also restored. Beginning in the mid-2000s Councilwoman and historian, Catherine Cassidy, and the Wood-Ridge Historical Society began the process to preserve and restore this home by seeking borough appropriations along with Bergen County Historic Preservation Open Space Trust Fund grants. The architectural firm HJGA, now Connelly and Hickey Historical Architects, LLC, was retained to prepare a Historic Structures Report and produced the successful 2009 nomination of the house for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Phase 1 work began in 2004 with replacement of the slate roof and Bianchi House during restoration. restoration of the roof s decorative molding. The next phase involved removal of inappropriate siding, repairs to the original clapboard and windows, and electrical upgrades. Testing for the house s original color was made so that appropriate exterior paint colors would be applied. The public park is a popular breath of green in a neighborhood of smaller lots. Today, the Wood-Ridge Historical Society along with the borough s public library and other municipal departments utilize the beautiful restored Arnault-Bianchi House. This is a historic preservation success story where a town s elected leaders and private citizens successfully joined forces for the public good to preserve, restore and protect one of its own historic buildings. FOR PRESERVATION EDUCATION This category recognizes specific programs, educational institutions, authors, publishers and groups displaying excellence in increasing the public s knowledge of historic preservation, Bergen County s architecture and historic sites. Historic Map Preservation Project & Brochure New Milford Project Team: New Milford Historic Preservation Commission [Nancy Varettoni, Chairperson, Ulises Cabrera, council liaison]; the Borough of New Milford; New Milford-Teaneck Elks Lodge 2290; New Milford Public Library; Dave Vokes, Swain s of Morristown; Marlene Casey, Historian. T he New Milford Historic Preservation Commission is being presented with this award in recognition of its preservation of an 1867 Hughes map entitled From Palisades to Paterson, New Jersey. The map, both practical and decorative, depicts the land from the Palisades cliffs in the east to the city of Paterson in the west and includes what would become Palisades Township in The map offers a detailed snapshot of mid-19th century Bergen County and a useful directory of services, including one for New Bridge, which lists the old New Bridge Hotel, a blacksmith and dealers offering 3

6 coal, lumber, dry goods, groceries, flour and feed. The story of the map s discovery is singular. On a first date, young Marlene and Tim sat star-gazing on the roof of his family's home, the Jacobus Demarest Homestead, one of the earliest sandstone houses in Bergen County. Marlene noticed something sticking out from under a shingle. It was the map. Marlene and Tim brought the map in, put it in a frame and stored it in the basement. Although the map had been exposed to the elements, much of it was intact. Marlene married Tim. By the time Marlene Casey (now a widow and the borough Historian) donated the map to the borough, the map had been in its frame for about 50 years. Time and humidity had fused the map to its heavy cardboard backing. Preserving it was neither an easy nor an inexpensive task. The New Milford-Teaneck Elks Lodge assisted with the funds, a restoration expert preserved the map so as to prevent further deterioration and the map now hangs proudly in the New Milford Public Library. An educational brochure created by the New Milford Historic Preservation Commission details the story of the map s discovery, research into its history, its restoration and its public unveiling in July This was an educational and preservation project that involved the whole community. THE ACTIVE CITIZEN The map before (above) and during (below) restoration These old buildings do not belong to us only, they belong to our forefathers and they will belong to our descendants unless we play them false. They are not in any sense our own property to do as we like with them. We are only trustees for those that come after us. William Morris FOR PRESERVATION LEADERSHIP This category includes individuals, groups, and governmental agencies exhibiting outstanding leadership that has contributed, or continues to contribute, to historic preservation in Bergen County. Patricia Finn Allendale L ocated on a hill, and set on property that contains a stand of old-growth trees, is a stately house with white columns that overlooks Franklin Turnpike. This historic Allendale site was 4

7 home to the Revolutionary War patriot and member of the First Continental Congress, John Fell. In 2006 few in the local community knew the building s significance. Not only was it home to Fell, the great Tory Hunter, who played an important part in our country s fight for independence, but also to Col. Joseph Allen, the Civil War hero for whom Allendale was named. And few knew how threatened this historic site was. In 2006 the newly elected mayor, Vince Barra, created Allendale s Historic Preservation Advisory Committee. The committee soon learned of a developer s intent to develop the property. It was at this time that a local resident emerged who was willing to take on the challenge of saving this nationally significant site. That resident, Pat Finn, became a leader of the fight to save the Fell House. Under her guidance the committee soon became the Save the Fell House Committee with Pat its first chairperson. This grassroots citizen organization evolved into the non-profit Concerned Citizens of Allendale. Pat was its first president. Leading a group of volunteers with the difficult goal of saving and preserving a historic site in a county where property value is at a premium, is a formidable challenge that requires dedication, persistence and often the skills of a diplomat. Pat s leadership kept the volunteers on-track to meet its goals. She researched the house and its owners, and successfully applied for grants, including to the Bergen County Open Space Historic Preservation Trust Fund program, to fund the acquisition and restoration of the house. Pat is not someone who seeks the spotlight or claims credit for great achievements but puts the organization s goals first, carrying the stressful weight of challenges and set-backs. Today, as the restoration of the Fell House continues, and because of Pat s dedication, the Pat Finn Pat Finn - way in the back - speaking to a large group at the Fell House. Concerned Citizens of Allendale is today a vital, active part of the local community, with dedicated volunteers running public events, tours, school visits and on-going restoration and preservation. At a time when too many historic houses and properties are being lost, this is a Bergen County community s historic preservation success story. "It is not rational to consider a building to be sustainable when its parts reach a landfill in a generation or two." Stephen A. Mouzon "Great architecture has only two natural enemies: water and stupid men." Richard Nickel "He who loves an old house never loves in vain." Isabel La Howe Conant 5

8 FOR CONTINUING PRESERVATION AND USE This category of preservation includes little-altered commercial, governmental, agricultural and industrial structures, private houses and ecclesiastical buildings, still used for original or similar functions. The John A. Haring House Dutch Kitchen Preservation & Douglas Johnsen Sr. Rockleigh Project Team: Douglas Johnsen Sr.; Hans Landscaping and Masonry; Hank Doherty Inc.; Lakeside Builders; Rockland County Iron Works. T he John A. Haring Homestead is noted as being significant for its association with the exploration and settlement of Bergen County and for having few modern intrusions. Douglas Johnsen, Sr. has a long history with this property having done restoration work on it since the 1970 s with the then owners John and Cathleen Heslin. Now as both owner and Project Manager, Doug s goal has been to preserve and to maintain the authentic integrity of the property and today we will recognize two of his recent accomplishments. Dutch Kitchen Restoration: The original circa 1763 kitchen, built as a summer kitchen, was constructed of local sandstone and contained a brick beehive oven and a jambless fireplace. In the late 1930 s the oven was removed to allow for the installation of a bathroom, storage area, and mechanical room. In , Doug set about restoring the kitchen and recreating the original beehive oven. Plans were drawn based on historic documentation. The problem of relocating the mechanical systems was solved: he would excavate the space and move the equipment to a newly excavated cellar below the restored kitchen. The interior required restoration of the brick hearth, installation of traditional plank floors, and patching of the plastered walls. As finishing touches he repaired, cleaned and repositioned the old hutches in the Dutch kitchen and arranged plates and cookware to reflect the arrangement found in his 1911 reference photo. A New Barn: As with any home and especially with agricultural properties, things change: barns and out-buildings begin to deteriorate as they are no longer useful. In 2001, Doug identified the remains of a sandstone foundation west of the main barn. Through research he identified this as the location of an 1850 s cow barn that was razed in the 1930 s. Flash forward to 2010, Doug finds 6 Top: Restored Haring House Dutch Kitchen Below: Reconstructing new barn on old original foundations

9 the opportunity to add to the interpretation of the site s agricultural heritage when he found advertised for sale a circa 1890 four-bent, single-aisle, one-and-a-half story wagon house located in Holland Township, NJ that was slated to be demolished. Securing the rights to the structure, he began solidifying the original foundation on his property. When completed, the wagon house was dismantled and tagged so it could be reconstructed and a new cedar shake roof was added to the reconstructed frame. Doug then began the task of hanging the shiplap siding. New strap hinges were made using historic photos of the original cow barn as reference. We would like to applaud Douglas Johnsen, Sr. for his on-going stewardship of this important Bergen County property and look forward to seeing his next project. Preservationists are the only people in the world who are invariably confirmed in their wisdom after the fact. John Kenneth Galbraith FOR PRESERVATION LEADERSHIP This category includes individuals, groups, and governmental agencies exhibiting outstanding leadership that has contributed, or continues to contribute, to historic preservation in Bergen County. Sophie Heymann: Leader in Historic Preservation Closter I n 1997 Sophie Heymann began seventeen years of public service as Councilperson and Mayor in Closter and nearly twenty years as a leading advocate for preservation of historic architecture, farms, woods, and roads in the borough and beyond. Many other citizens of the borough have likewise actively strengthened its commitment as a community to the living fabric of history: other members of the Council, the Environmental Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission. But everyone who knows Sophie Heymann sees her as both a teammate and a leader who can solve problems and build consensus with a friendly smile and persuasive words. It s remarkable and inspiring how much she and her fellow citizens have accomplished. In 1998 they passed the first historic preservation ordinance and strengthened it in They have so far designated a sizable historic district and sixteen individual sites, and restored the 1938 Borough 7

10 Hall, which combines Art Deco and Streamline Moderne architectural styles. They celebrated Closter s 300th anniversary by sponsoring over a dozen events and showcasing historic photos, documents and artifacts. Most recently, they persuaded a developer to donate the Harold Hess Lustron House, which is gradually being restored. They preserved not only historic buildings but roads, woods, and farmland: the Resolvert Nagel farm, also known as Brooks Farm, the oldest continuously farmed property in the borough, and the MacBain Farm Park. These green acres and the farm buildings gesture toward Closter s historic roots and its traditional respect for the land. Her influence has had an impact in Bergen County beyond Closter. In the case of Blanch Avenue, they persuaded Norwood not to vacate its share of an historic road, and found an opportunity for an adjacent greenspace now known as Blanch Woods. And nearly twenty years ago she helped preserve Englewood s Benson House, which was built soon after the Revolution. But Closter has been her home base, and it is her own borough that has benefitted the most from her efforts. As we all know, historic preservation in America is intensely local. Together the historically minded citizens of Closter shaped their community by preserving its key elements, with Sophie Heymann leading the way through her support, activism, persuasiveness, and vision. Rod Leith, Borough Historian Rutherford R od Leith is the Borough Historian of Rutherford and his involvement in historic preservation has had a lasting impact on Rutherford and Bergen County. He has been in the forefront of saving threatened structures and artifacts and educating the general public about the history that is right outside their doors. He writes a continuing column, History Chest, for the South Bergenite weekly newspaper. Upon discovering the home in which William Carlos Williams lived on Ridge Road in Rutherford, he developed a tour focusing on historic homes and sites in the area that surround this world-renowned poet. Rod has been the chief proponent of the expansion and preservation of historic properties in Rutherford, including the expansion of the Ridge Road Historic District. He has been instrumental in adding properties to the town survey, which have both architectural and historic significance to the borough. When the Dickinson Mansion, residence of Fairleigh S. Dickinson, was threatened with destruction by developers, he led a group of residents to preserve this important estate in Rutherford. Mr. Leith also served as a member of the board of the Meadowlands Museum, recently serving as its acting President. 8 Rod Leith in front of the Dickinson Mansion, Rutherford.

11 As a member of the board, Rod was instrumental in helping to save many artifacts from being destroyed and displaying them in the museum s collections. When a former horse barn on Union Avenue was about to be destroyed, he worked with the owner and contractor to salvage the last remaining horse elevator in the area, a remnant of Rutherford s horse drawn age. That mechanical artifact now sits in the Meadowlands Museum s permanent collection, a great attraction for the many children who visit. Rod has had a lasting impact on historic preservation in Bergen County and is a worthy recipient of the Preservation Leadership award. His dedication and work in historic preservation and education will have a lasting impact on generations to come. ALL-ABOARD! HERE COMES THE RAILROAD! "In the end, the character of a civilization is encased in its structures." Frank Gehry FOR PRESERVATION OR RESTORATION PROJECT For the successful rehabilitation or restoration of buildings for original or museum use. Waldwick Historical Society & the Waldwick Erie Railroad Signal Tower Restoration Project Team: Members & Volunteers of the Waldwick Historical Society [Mike Brunkhorst, President; Glenn Corbett, Vice President; Curt Springstead, Project Manager; Art Barthold, Construction Manager]; Pirin Construction; Wayne Dekler, Custom Woodworking; Messner Electric, Inc., Electrical Contractor. I n 1890 the New York, Lake Erie & Western Railroad, the Erie Railroad predecessor, constructed the wooden Signal Tower in Waldwick on what was then Erie's Jersey City-Chicago main line. The tower was important to train traffic: it allowed control of the main line trains as well as movements in and out of the adjacent 6-track commuter-train layover yard. The yard operated 24 hours a day and handled about 100 trains daily. Industries were built along the tracks including a lumber yard, coal yard and various factories with their own rail spurs. The rail yard was the economic hub and heart of Waldwick for many decades. The tower has been described by Glenn Corbett as the air traffic control center of its day, packed with the latest technology to control train movements affording operators a commanding view of the tracks. There were about 50 controls in the tower s interlock- Left: The restored Waldwick Signal Tower with a passing train. 9

12 ing equipment which remained in use until 1986 when NJ Transit automated the equipment. The tower was then sold and NJ Transit ceased operations as a night-time layover yard in Waldwick. In 1987 the Waldwick Erie Railroad Signal Tower was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and in 1999 the Waldwick Historical Society (WHS) became involved with the preservation of this vernacular Queen Anne style building which was by then showing signs of deterioration. Documentation of the building began and cost estimates were procured for its restoration. Phase One work included extensive cleaning and removal of debris. Initial exterior rehabilitation, begun in 2004, took one year. The siding was replaced and painted. As more grant monies were obtained, including from the Bergen County Historic Preservation Open Space Trust Fund, the slate roof was replaced and unique copper cresting was repaired and replaced as required, matching the existing details. Interior work replicated the tower s original bead board paneling. Site work included replacing the original fencing with a historically correct design that kept passengers from crossing the tracks. The result is a wonderful restoration by the WHS and all others involved. It concluded with a final paint job matching the train station across the tracks. Seen together the two are an imposing site. When seen by itself overlooking the multi track yard, the Switching Tower stands as a lasting testament to the importance of the railroads to the history of our region and the country. The tower has additional special significance as a rare extant example of a beautifully preserved and restored historic railroad control tower. The Waldwick Historical Society plans to use the tower as a Railroad Museum which will be a wonderful testament to its history. Waldwick Community Alliance & the Waldwick Train Station Restoration Project Team: Members and Volunteers of the Waldwick Community Alliance [Chuck Wanamaker, President; Douglas Cowie, Vice Pres.; Richard Wilson, Treasurer/Construction Manager]; Precision Builders and Construction, LLC; Wayne McCabe, McCabe & Associates; Grace Lynch, L&C Design Consultants. T he Erie Railroad built Waldwick s train station in By 1977, NJ Transit abandoned it as an operating railroad station, and the once-beautiful building fell into an increasing state of deterioration. In 2005 the volunteers of the Waldwick Community Alliance (WCA) embarked on an extensive restoration project which included fundraising, applying for grants, and hands-on rehabilitation. They took this endangered historic resource from an abandoned train station to a railroad-themed local historic museum with the objective of using the restored building as a catalyst for a rejuvenation of Waldwick s historic downtown. The building s period of historic significance is the late 19 th and early 20 th century. In the 19 th century, Waldwick developed as a result of the coming of the railroad: first with a railroad switching yard and depot operations, and later with the addition of a passenger stop as the area 10 Above: Waldwick Signal Tower before restoration.

13 Above: Before restoration. Right: After restoration. grew from an agrarian to a suburban community. At one time approximately 50% of Waldwick s households had at least one railroad worker. The building s prototype is similar in form and materials to a group of Erie stations including those built in Hillburn and Palisades Park, NJ, and Suffern, NY at the end of the 1800s. The station is presumed to have been designed by architect A. Mordecai. Other stations along this stretch of the line that featured similar architectural elements include Clifton, NJ, and Tuxedo and Greycourt, NY. Listed on the State and National Historic Registers, this vernacular Queen Anne style train station building has retained much of its original interior and exterior historic fabric and details typical of the building prototype. Among the many characteristic features that were meticulously restored and rehabilitated by the WCA were: the exterior bead board features, the corbelled chimney and copper ridge cresting, the decorative gable stick work features and carved eave brackets, the stained glass windows and original paint color palate, just to name a few. The high quality of the work accomplished reflects the special teamwork and commitment of the Waldwick Community Alliance in saving an important Waldwick and Bergen County historic site. OUR MOST SACRED SITES "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." Proverbs 22:28 One can tell the morals of a culture by the way they treat their dead. Benjamin Franklin FOR CONTINUING PRESERVATION AND USE This category of preservation includes little-altered commercial, governmental, agricultural and industrial structures, private houses and ecclesiastical buildings, still used for original or similar functions. The Historic Church on the Green Cemetery Hackensack Project Team: The First Reformed Church of Hackensack 11

14 T he First Dutch Reformed Church of Hackensack, also known as the Church on the Green, was built in The congregation was organized in 1686, the oldest Reformed Dutch congregation in Bergen County and second oldest in NJ. It built its first church edifice, said to be octagonal in shape, in 1696 and rebuilt it in The earliest burials in the cemetery date from this time. The current 1791 building was enlarged and remodeled in 1847 and in 1869 as the congregation grew. Fortunately some of the original stones were saved and placed in the East and South exterior walls as can be viewed today. The church edifice is designed in the Wren-Gibbs style that was created in London, England in the 17 th century and, with modifications, is the style of many Protestant churches in New Jersey. Due to its national historic significance this church, its cemetery and property, and the adjacent Hackensack Green - one of the oldest public squares in NJ - were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in The site for the church is two and three-quarters acres donated by John Berry in Originally, part of this site was a piece of a one hundred-acre tract of land given to Anthony Robberse, an African American, by the Lenni-Lenape people in Of the first 39 church members in 1686 were Anthony and his brother Jochem. The church originally became known as the Dutch Reformed Church of Ackensack and since this was in the historic heart of Bergen County, the village name became known as Hackensack. This name was finally confirmed by vote in 1921 as the City of Hackensack. The church with its cemetery was the site of the historic 1780 funeral of Revolutionary War Brigadier-General Enoch Poor. The funeral procession, consisting of the New Hampshire Brigade led by Gen. Hand and the Brigade of Light-Infantry led by Major Charles Lee, marched one mile escorting the body to the First Dutch Reformed Church of Hackensack Cemetery. In the procession were Generals George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. Also buried here is Hackensack s Varick family. Richard Varick was Aide-de-Camp to Gen. Washington and Mayor of New York City from In the cemetery are the final resting places of the area s earliest families, the Revolutionary War-time Sheriff for the county Adam Boyd, several of the church s pastors, and veterans of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. The church restored several damaged large tombstones after Hurricane Sandy in For 330 years the Reformed Church has continued to maintain this most historic church and cemetery while also serving the community. Left: The tomb marker for the grave of Brigadier-General Enoch Poor, who died on Sept. 8, Center: View south towards the Bergen County Court House. Right: The enclosed Varick Family plot. 12

15 The past is not dead history, it is the living material out of which man makes himself and builds the future René Dubos FOR PRESERVATION EDUCATION This category recognizes specific programs, educational institutions, authors, publishers and groups displaying excellence in increasing the public s knowledge of historic preservation, Bergen County s architecture and historic sites. Fort Lee s Annual Retreat to Victory Project Team: Members of the Fort Lee Historic Preservation Commission, Councilman Harvey Sohmer, Fort Lee Historic Park Staff and Reenactors. I t is November 1776 and the war is not going well for George Washington s army. A year and a half after Lexington and Concord, and a scant four months after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, General Washington now stands to lose New York. Having already abandoned Fort Washington on the east bank of the Hudson, he must now hastily evacuate Fort Lee, and make another retreat to save his army. Tipped off about advancing redcoats that have just crossed the Hudson in Closter, Washington s narrow escape from Fort Lee allows the Continental Army to live to fight another day. While it may be difficult to imagine Washington s troops marching down Main Street in Fort Lee, Grand Avenue in Leonia, or down Route 4 through River Edge, that is the route they followed to eventually reach Wallington, cross the Passaic River, and circumvent the impenetrable boundary we now call the Hackensack Meadowlands. Only by saving his army in that fateful autumn of 1776 can Washington regroup, and thereby save the fledgling nation. These are the times that try men s souls wrote Thomas Paine in The Crisis Papers, words inspired by the struggle and sacrifice he witnessed during the retreat. When printed and read 13

16 throughout the colonies, his words helped galvanize the new republic and encouraged soldiers to re-enlist. Everything that followed - the victories in Trenton and Princeton that helped turn the tide of the war, to the winters in Jockey Hollow and Valley Forge, and eventually to final victory over the British - were made possible by the Retreat To Victory. For the past 15 years, the borough of Fort Lee has helped sponsor a living history event that honors the sacrifice and recalls the struggle of this truly epic event in early American history. Through re-enactments, marches, and demonstrations of musketry and artillery, they celebrate the anniversary of Washington and his army s escape. Tonight, we honor the Borough of Fort Lee and the Fort Lee Historic Preservation Commission, and their continuing effort to keep the memory of this crucial episode alive, and educate new generations in just how pivotal Fort Lee and Bergen County were to the birth of our nation. The DEDICATED LIFE [Grassroots preservation] is empty pocketbooks, bloody fingers, and private satisfactions. It is long hours, hard work, and no pay. It is a personal dialogue with ghosts. It is a face-to-face confrontation with the past It is an equation between self and history so powerful that it makes us lie down in front of bulldozers, raise toppled statues, salvage old boats. Peter Neil, 1991 National Historic Preservation Conference 2016 CLAIRE THOLL AWARD For lifetime achievement in historic preservation in Bergen County. Tim Adriance T im Adriance has been a leader in historic preservation in New Jersey for over 30 years. A resident of Bergenfield, he is a descendant of the area s earliest families, some of whom are buried in Closter s historic Auryansen Cemetery which he has cared for over many years. Tim is many things: A Preservationist: He has served on and advised many of the County s Historic Preservation Commissions including in Bergenfield, Closter, and Paramus. He has been a member of Bergen County s Historic Preservation Advisory Board and Open Space Advisory Committee, Historic New Bridge Landing Park Commission, and president of the Bergen County Historical Society. A Builder, Contractor, Preservationist and Consultant on historic properties in this region of NJ and NY. Restoration projects he has worked on, which include all 14

17 Tim Adriance on the job at the Terhune- Demarest Dwelling House, Ho-Ho-Kus. or parts of historic buildings, include Historic New Bridge Landing s Campbell-Christie House, Demarest House, and most recently the Westervelt Barn; William De Clark House, Closter; Terhune-Demarest Dwelling House, Ho-Ho-Kus; Peter Haring House, Norwood; the Meadowlands Museum, Rutherford; Roelof Westervelt House, Tenafly; and, of course, the Auryansen House and Barn in Closter. He has consulted on numerous restoration projects including: the Old South Church, Bergenfield; Walter Parsells House, Closter; John G. Benson House, Englewood; Vreeland House, Leonia; and the Church on the Green, Hackensack. An Historian and Writer: Including his current research on the area s earliest buildings, he is a genealogist for the Auryansen-Adriance family and an active member of the Holland Society. His work has been the focus of articles in Old-House Journal, Early Homes, Early American Life, Design NJ and (201) Magazine. An Educator and Civil War Reenactor: He has presented the living history program, "A Soldier s Life: The Life and Times of a Civil War Soldier to thousands, and is a charter member of the 3rd New Jersey Volunteers. A Master Craftsman, Carver and Carpenter: He has created detailed reproductions of early Hackensack furniture, historic carved mantles, windows and doors, and recreated once-missing architectural details of historic houses. A Lecturer: He has lectured on How to Date Your Older Home and Dutch Houses and their Construction. For many years he led A Sunday Drive through Bergen County History popular bus tour. These fascinating afternoon tours, steeped in architecture and history, took travelers through historic Bergen and Rockland Counties. A Leading Authority on Early Architecture in Bergen County and the surrounding region with expansive knowledge and experience with the unique early Dutch houses. He even added a stone house to the list of 200+ Bergen County Dutch Stone Houses that were originally entered on to 15

18 the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, thanks to the research by Claire Tholl, proving through his historic research and analysis that what for decades has been called the Mud House, located in Paramus, is in fact one of the county s early Dutch Stone Houses. T im Adriance is being recognized for his outstanding contributions to the preservation and restoration of our most historic buildings, his support of local historic preservation commissions, his educational programs, and his extensive research, knowledge and preservation of the county s history. As a friend and colleague of the late Claire Tholl, it is most fitting that Tim receive this 2016 Tholl Award for Lifetime Achievement in Historic Preservation PRESERVATION AWARDS SPEAKER oward Elliott Bartholf is nine generations* removed from Reverend Guilliam Bertholf, the first minister of the First Dutch Reformed Church of Hackensack, the Church on the Green. He and his H wife Jan were married in the church. He was born in Hoboken and grew up in Bergen County, attending Bergen Community College and Virginia Commonwealth University. He entered the U.S Army in September 1965 and served until His assignments included Fort Dix N.J. and a year in the Republic of South Vietnam. While in Vietnam he was assigned to the 459th Signal Battalion, 21st Signal Group, 1st Signal Brigade. His decorations include the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and the Meritorious Unit Citation. He also holds the New Jersey Meritorious Service Medal and the New Jersey Vietnam Service Medal as well as other Civic and fraternal awards. Bartholf is also a member and holder of the Order of the Silver Rose, which honors Vietnam Veterans exposed to and affected by Agent Orange. In October 2009, Bartholf was awarded the Bronze Order of Mercury by the U.S. Army Signal Corps Regimental Association and made an Honorary Member of the Regiment by order of the Secretary of the Army. He is a member of the Army Historical Foundation, and maintains membership in the International Naval Research Organization (INRO), the Navy League, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and the 459th Signal Battalion Association. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors of the 1st Signal Brigade Association and is a Charter Member of the National Museum of the United States Army. Bartholf served for six years as President of the battleship U.S.S. South Dakota Second Generation Group. He is a published author with articles appearing in Vietnam Magazine and in On Point the Journal of the Army Historical Foundation. By profession, he is a retired Industrial Sales Engineer with over 43 years in the Industrial, Municipal and Military marketplaces. Bartholf is also an Ordained Baptist Deacon and resides in Richmond, Virginia, with his wife Janet. He is the proud father of Stephen Howard Bartholf, CW4 Ryan Elliott Bartholf, U.S. Army, and PO2 Scott Varian Bartholf, Aviation Ordnanceman, U.S. Navy. Howard s book on Camp Merritt, the WWI Embarkation Camp which is marked by the Camp Merritt Memorial Monument, a Bergen County Historic Site, in Cresskill, will be published in November *Howard s ancestral line is as follows: 1st Guilliam Bertholf (minister of the church , at his death); 2nd Jacobus; 3rd Guilliam; 4th Jacobus; 5th John; 6th Cornelius; 7th Warren; 8th Howard C.; 9th Howard E. 16

19 THIS. PLACE. MATTERS! 2016 National Preservation Month Theme 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, the most far-reaching preservation legislation ever enacted in the U.S. Signed into law by the President on October 15, 1966, the Act formally recognized historic preservation as an important policy of the United States. The law established a federal framework for preserving the country s historic and cultural fabric, which included a national preservation program and systems of procedural protection. The Act codified the National Register of Historic Places, required federal agencies to consider the impact of new construction on historic sites, and provided for public comment before a site can be altered. The Congress finds and declares that: (a.) the spirit and direction of the Nation are founded upon and reflected in its historic heritage; (b.) the historical and cultural foundations of the Nation should be preserved as a living part of our community life and development in order to give a sense of orientation to the American people;. - - Preamble to the National Historic Preservation Act of BERGEN COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD Bruce A. Barton, A.I.A., Chairman William Neumann, Vice Chairman Arnold Brown, J.D. * John Cohen, A.I.A. * Hedy Grant, J.D. Maggie Harrer * Nur Sumeyye Kalyoncu * Felice Koplik Jeffrey J. Lahullier * Dr. William L. Lee * William J. Martin, A.I.A. * Kevin Tremble Our thanks to Rev. Donald McCracken and the River Homeless Ministry, and Rev. Rodney Haveman, Parkside Community Church, Westwood, for their help in holding the awards ceremony in this historic church. Our thanks also to Michael Bradley, Director, Division of Safety & Security, and the Bergen County Police Department for their assistance. Thanks also to William Neumann for being the Preservation Awards photographer. To see more of Billy s work go to: Program created by Janet E. Strom, Historian, Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs

20 BERGEN COUNTY EXECUTIVE James J. Tedesco III BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS Steven A. Tanelli, Chairman Tracy Silna Zur, Vice Chairwoman John A. Felice, Chairman Pro Tempore Maura R. DeNicola David L. Ganz Thomas J. Sullivan Jr. Dr. Joan M. Voss DEPARTMENT OF PARKS James G. Koth, Director DIVISION OF CULTURAL AND HISTORIC AFFAIRS Cynthia L. Forster, Director Janet E. Strom, Historian Elaine Kiernan Gold, Historic Preservation Officer The Bergen County Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.